Top Highlights
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Logistics Innovation Journey: Kevin Damoa, inspired by his early experiences with freight logistics, founded Glīd Technologies to address inefficiencies in moving containers from road to rail, recognizing a significant gap in the process.
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Simplifying the First Mile: Glīd focuses on the critical “first mile” of logistics, developing hardware and software solutions like the hybrid-electric GliderM vehicle to streamline container movement to rail, reducing complexity and costs.
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Cost-Effective Solutions: By eliminating the need for forklifts and hostler trucks, Glīd offers an attractive mobility-as-a-service pricing model at $300,000 per year plus 8 cents per ton per mile, compared to traditional costs of about $2.27 per ton per mile.
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Growing Investment and Partnerships: Following initial struggles, Glīd secured $7.1 million in funding and established partnerships with four short-line railroads and key industrial sites, positioning the startup for growth in the logistics sector.
Revolutionizing Freight Logistics
In an era where congestion plagues transportation, Glīd Technologies offers a fresh perspective on freight handling. Founded by Kevin Damoa, the startup addresses a significant bottleneck in logistics: the transfer of containers from road to rail. Damoa’s passion for logistics began as a 17-year-old enlistee in the U.S. Army, where he first experienced the challenges of freight movement. His journey continued through various roles in both the military and private sectors, ultimately leading him back to tackle the road-to-rail dilemma.
Glīd has zeroed in on the first mile of freight transport, which often faces the most issues. Traditional methods involve complex steps that rely on multiple vehicles, leading to inefficiencies. Glīd’s innovative approach eliminates the need for forklifts and hostler trucks by using a hybrid-electric vehicle called GliderM. This vehicle directly picks up containers and transports them to the rail, lowering costs while improving speed and efficiency. In doing so, Glīd not only enhances logistics but also tackles environmental concerns associated with traditional trucking.
The Promise of Widespread Adoption
With a compelling cost structure, Glīd positions itself as a game-changer in freight logistics. The subscription model offers significant savings compared to traditional methods, as it combines multiple services into one seamless solution. The startup has already made strides, partnering with short-line railroads and various industrial parks across the U.S. Its progress has caught the eye of investors, successfully raising over $7 million in funding.
As Glīd prepares to showcase its innovations at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, industry observers and potential clients will be keen to see how this technology can reshape the future of freight transport. If Glīd successfully demonstrates its practical application and cost-effectiveness, the shift from road to rail may not only become more feasible but essential.
Ultimately, Glīd’s journey reflects a broader human drive to innovate for efficiency and sustainability. As the company seeks to simplify freight logistics, it embodies the potential for technology to facilitate a more interconnected world.
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